Beware of Foxes
A full moon, a strange dream: deceit and corruption
Night. Moonlight. The sound of padded paws on soft, pale grass.
A skulk of foxes, wagging their tails like friendly puppies, emerges from the brush. They come right up to me, as if we've met before.
Could they be tame?
A voice echoes in my dream as it has for the last three nights:
They are not smiling
They are merely
Showing their teeth.
There is a certain look in their eyes. A gleam reminding me of someone, somewhere.
I feel a shudder, not knowing if to hide or to run.
They are not neighborhood dogs, I tell myself. They are definitely not domesticated.
Yet one stands on his hind legs, puts his paws on my shoulders, and licks my face.
The shock awakens me, and a voice in my head continues:
They are not smiling
They are merely
Showing their teeth.
Breakfast time is quiet as I sit with my aging father.
I tell him about the recurring dream.
What could it mean? Foxes, wild animals? Do they symbolize something?
He replies in a manner so simple it stuns.
They represent people.
People! How could it be that I hadn't seen it before?
It started in the office.
I noticed things that made me uncomfortable. Computers shutting quickly when I entered the room. Whispering. Papers missing.
I ignored my doubts, afraid of trouble.
I didn't want to make a fuss.
Days pass by, and I dream again.
This time, a new voice echoes when I awaken with a lick on my face:
Beware of foxes
And those who believe
They are tame.
My doubts and suspicions prove true.
Power, money, prestige: (Why is it always the same?)
They stop at nothing to get what they want.
It starts subtly and slowly: fake emails, forged signatures, altered accounts.
Then come the false rumors, putting blame on others.
The sly foxes of children's stories return to my mind.
Ancestral symbols come to us in the dark, in our dreams.
Are not dreams born in the same place as fairy tales?
Beware of foxes
And those who believe
They are tame.
Coworkers have suspicions and, like me, want to turn away.
I never planned to be a whistleblower.
The tarot cards drop in my lap.
Then I know what I have to do.
Whistle. Blow the whistle loud and long. It falls to me to tell all.
I report everything I had seen in brazen detail. I gather evidence—false records, fake signatures, a rigged election of board members—and I find witnesses.
I tell it over and over again until the authorities responded.
Investigations follow. Commissions are appointed. Testimonies were given, leading to forced resignations.
"How could this be?" mourn the young volunteers, dismayed and disheartened. "We are a nonprofit."
Disillusionment is a heavy burden to carry, no matter your age.
It takes months of recovery, restless nights, and new dreams.
Keep your distance
And forge new paths.
Knights ride on white horses now in my dreams, carrying shields and shiny swords.
Archetypes take new forms on a chess board only I can play.
Keep your distance
And forge new paths.
A king. A queen. Noble white horses. Defenders of justice.
They ride now and forevermore into the dark night, protecting those who journey, singing softly in the shadows:
Beware of foxes
And those who believe
They are tame.
****
Based on true events, real dreams, and a non-profit.
About the Creator
PK Colleran
I love the music of words and the stories they tell.
Editor of bilingual poetry collection Landscape of the Soul by Hipólito Sánchez
Translator of Living Consciously and Words Matter, by Jorge Waxemberg
You can read more of my work here.
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Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Comments (22)
Finding *Truth* is hard to accept; sounds like you outfoxed the skulk. I respect the experience and how you let it unfold in your story. Congratulations!
Congratulations on having your story featured as a top story on Vocal! This is a remarkable achievement, and it's clear why your work has received such recognition. Your storytelling is truly exceptional. The narrative was not only compelling but also beautifully crafted, holding my attention from start to finish. The way you developed the characters and plot was masterful, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Your unique voice and perspective shine through, setting your work apart. It’s evident that you poured a lot of passion and effort into this piece, and it has certainly paid off. I look forward to reading more of your incredible stories in the future. Keep up the fantastic work! Best regards, Dr. Jay
This story masterfully blends dream imagery with real-life tension, revealing the protagonist's journey from suspicion to action. The foxes as symbols of deceit and the recurring warnings underscore a powerful message about vigilance and integrity.
Fantastic, about the great awareness, dreams, and real-life experience with another Congratulations on Top Story!
Interesting! Sometimes dreams are meaningless and sometimes not. It's brave of you to take action! Congrats on top story!
very good story
Oh, wow!! Whistle blow the hell out of the crooks!! 💕
Nice! 😁
Oh, wow! Merely showing their teeth…what a fantastic visual. I was married to a smiler, almost raises goosebumps. Congratulations on a stunning story
Congratulations 🎉 on top story
Great!!!
Really like the symbolism You are truly great to create such stories
Greaty!!!!
I too saw foxes when I went through similar. Love the refrain you use in this. Really well done.
What a beautifully crafted and haunting story! The symbolism and vivid imagery are incredibly powerful. Thank you for sharing this poignant and thought-provoking piece.
Write more stories like this
Brilliant and relatable social commentary!!!💕❤️❤️
VERY VERY VERY WELL DONE. Definitely deserves to be top story.
very wonder and great story to read
"They are not smiling They are merely Showing their teeth" This is such a powerful statement. Smiles are powerful and though they are mainly used to do good, there is always someone who will use that power to manipulate. Well done!
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Omg I can so relate to this poem right now within the workplace and I work for a non profit too. Well done!
Nicely done. Very good piece and a good lesson also.